San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-09-03

Inc clock struck SEVEN and Miss Farqu-
har closed her book, laid il down, and rose
from her chair.
'rhe carriage will be here in few min
utes, GwendOline," she said. 81 shall be
ready"
She swept out of the rOOm her white dress
trailing over the carpet, the diamond spray
In her hair catching the light of the lamps
and flashing as she passed, and into the hall,
without another word or a look back.
GwendOlne POmerOy was more outward
ly courteous. She did not ignore me, but
there was a contempt in her voice even more
insulting.
Good night, Miss ThOrne," she said.
You will see us some time tO-mOrrOw-at
tea, if not before. Until then you will find
only Mr.. GaScOigne's company interfere
with your meditatOns."
bowed, and made no answer could be
as frigid as Miss Farquhar herself, and re-
turn scOrn with outward indifference. But,
after she had left the room, Annis turned
back and came swiftly to me.
II am so sorry we are going" she said
gently. IL would not have left you if |
could have helped it. 1t must seem so lone
ly TO you here. But | have told my maid to
sleep in your dressing -rOOm-fOr am some
times nervous myself, and you may perhaps
be too"
Thank you; you are very kind" an
swered, with sOftening thoughts as l met
the smile of the pretty blue eyes.
Her name is Lucy" she went on; "she
will do anything you want, and tell you any
thing till we are back. Good night" And
she fastened to join her sisters.
mi lata I arI ha
drive away down the gravel walk. 1 sat
down by the fire and took up book, but
holding it unlocked at in my hand thought
of the strange experiences which had crowd
ed themselves into the day-my long Jour
ney, the quiet drive, the weird moonlight on
the dark lake, the antique Grange, and the
strangers | had met within its walls, Had
l been wise to choose new pathways, to
long for untired sensations, perhaps to court
unknown dangers?
'Mr. GascOigne wishes you TO join him, II
you please"
started from my reverie and followed
the servant, conscious of being tired and
faint and weary, and not in a state TO show
to advantage before my employer.
l was conducted again into the inner hall
and up the fine oak staircase, and, instead
OF turning down the corridor towards my
room we traversed gallery that ran round
the four walls of the hall. High above us
were the yaulted ceiling and cross rafters of
the tower. Arriving at the side opposite to
that at which we had assembled, and over the
dlning-rOOm wing, we went down a short
corridor having at the end window of rich
stained glass; and at one OF the doors the
servant knocked. A sharp Come in p and
| entered.
saw long low panelled room with three
deep-recessed windows, lit by the dim light
of lamps on the center dining-table. A
glowing fire burned on an ancient hearth,
around which painted tiles told the story Of
Joseph and his Brethren; and the blaze was
reflected by the silver and 81 ass on the table,
and yet more strongly by the FURNISHED
breast-plates and helmets of two knightly
figures standing between the folds of the
tapestry curtains that shaded the windows
At the head of the table sat my employer,
Mr.. GascOigne.
Il am glad to see you, and welcome you
to St. Gabriers Grange" he said. IL sup
pose you are aware | cannot rise to receive
you, also that | am not accustomed invaria-
bly, TO have lady to do the hOnOrs of my
table?'
The only other person in the room was an
old serving-man who stood behind, Mr.. Gas
cOignes chair. A very old man Mr. Gas
coigne appeared to be; but could see still
in the lineaments of the face, shrunken and
yellow though It was, the traces of hand
some youth. A clean-shaven chin and Won
derfully bright eyes, that hardly seemed to
require the aid of his gOld-rimmed double
eyeglass, might still have detracted from
the aspect of age had it not been for the
parchment texture of his skin and the per-
feet wilderness of his scanty hair His dress
was of Old-fashOned cut, dresscoat Of
antique make, and embroidered black satin
waistcOat, on which shOne a thick watch
chain with bunch of seals, and high black
stock.
Have you seen my nieces, Miss Thorne%'
he asked, as he carved with dexterity the
fowls In front of him.
Yes" 1 answered; 81 have seen them /;
Lady Martin POmerOy was good enough to
give me some slight sketch Of my duties.
But, as have not had much experience, !
hope you will give me further instructions,
SIR"
u wonder what she knows about themp'
said the old man. II will tell you fast
enough, Miss ThOTne. At the present time
am not going to say another word until
dinner is over. You can devote the whole
Of your attention to your meal, as i prefer
to do, and we will talk afterwards"
Taking this TO be nothing more nor less
than an order for silence. / held my peac-
To be Continued